The first strategic investment as part of the Tech Fund is a seed round investment into a California-based technology firm developing advanced sensors, underlining Volvo Cars’ growing presence in the technology hub of Silicon Valley.

Companies can benefit in a number of ways from participation by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. Apart from the association with one of the world’s leading premium car makers, start-ups may gain the ability to validate their technologies and accelerate the pace of achieving product market fit.

Moreover, start-ups may have the opportunity to benefit from Volvo Cars’ access to the Chinese car market, its largest, as well as potential access to Volvo Cars’ global network of automotive and technology partners.

Zaki Fasihuddin, currently Vice President of Strategic Partnerships in the Volvo Cars Silicon Valley Technology Center, has been appointed CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

The launch of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund is part of a continued push for innovation by Volvo Cars and accelerates the company’s digital transformation. Last year Volvo Cars established a digital organization in Silicon Valley, providing an additional center of gravity for the company’s development of technology and services.

In the fall of 2017 Volvo Cars also acquired the assets and key personnel of Luxe, a US based premium valet and concierge service. This acquisition provided a major boost to Volvo Cars’ development of digital services.